Cape Unplugged

Just when you think there is nothing in the way of nightlife to relieve the boredom in Cape, you find a little surprise. That is what happened to me recently when I went to Jeremiah's.

Tuesday night is "Open Mike Night" at Jeremiah's; a night when musicians or singers can get up and play or sing whatever is in his or her mind to do. The participants are varied; some are very well known established musicians in the area. Others are more recent additions to the music scene here. Still others are people who have never performed in public and this is a nice pressure-free place to take a chance. Only in its fourth week, it has already achieved quite a following.

Musicians from different bands can get up and perform together. The lead singer of one may be at the mike with the guitar player from another. Should a singer happen to come up, Mike McElrath or one of the other musicians there would gladly play backup. Mike told me if it is a song he doesn't know; there will be someone there that will know it.

I had no trouble believing that once I saw the caliber of the artists who were there. Bruce Zimmerman was there, along with Doug Reese, members of Cataphasia, the Rapco Band, Ken Goodson, and John Lohr; JUST TO NAME A VERY FEW! Others you can see there might be 3rd Gear, Van Gogh's Ear, Solid State, Cold Shot... and on and on.

What impressed me the most was the ease everyone felt. The atmosphere was relaxed and very friendly. The artists varied in age from early twenties through early fifties. I watched them as they made their greetings to each other and settled in to watch. There was admiration in the crowd as each performed. The patrons were equally at ease. There were friendly smiles everywhere you looked and genuine appreciation for each person who performed.

I got a chance to talk to co-owner Dan Grimm, the mastermind behind Open Mike Night. I asked him for some of his thoughts and motives for presenting this idea. Dan told me he sings-Badly and doesn't play a musical instrument, but appreciates any opportunity to listen to live music.

"This gives musicians a chance to play with members of other bands. It gives them the chance to try out some new stuff," he told me. "When a band is playing a gig, they are working, they have a format and a schedule. They are so regimented they may not get the chance to have fun with it. This is a good place for musicians and young songwriters to try their stuff out. If a customer wants to sing, there is always one of the musicians ready to jump in and play for them. There is no pressure, no set format. Whatever they want to do, they can do."

Dan went on, "there has always been great musical talent in this area, ever since I came here. Even though I am originally from St Louis, I prefer to see live music in a smaller venue. Here it is intimate, relaxed. It's fun. And it's close and personal."

"When the musicians are here, they love it. It gives them a chance to just play. There are great musicians out here that need to get their name out there, and this is a really good way for them to meet members of other bands."

During the course of the evening (or even an hour because of the musical diversity) you can hear Neil Young to Pearl Jam to Roy Orbison (I heard a wonderful impromptu version of "Crying" while I was there) to Lynard Skynard to Janis Joplin.

Dan told me he and his partners have a real commitment to the community and the downtown area. He believes in supporting the local artists in every way he can, and was a driving force for Riverfest, which is having a breather this year. Even when they book an out of town band, they also book a local band with them. And they don't stop at music. "All the art in our building is done by local artists," he proudly declared. He said, "We would love to be The House of Blues for Cape; where you can go have a great meal and listen to some of the best music you have ever heard. We offer our full menu in the bar area, so you can have dinner and listen to these great musicians, or you can just have some appetizers while you unwind." (They offer appetizers for half price during the happy hours- 4 to 7 and 10 to Close). Don Ganim (Grimm's partner) and my favorite place is The House of Blues and we would like to pattern ourselves after them."

When I asked him where he would like to see Jeremiah's in five years, he said "I see us a real neighborhood bar and grill, with something for everybody. We have live bands upstairs at Froggy's, music downstairs, great food and a place where everyone here knows everyone. A place where everybody knows your name." I saw this in action as he greeted each patron and musician by name with a quick smile and handshake or pat on the shoulder.

"To see people who work downtown and live here, come in my place to relax, to see some of our college professors come in, to see the local celebrities coming in to listen to the music, THAT is awesome. That is what really makes me feel good."

When he mentioned his professors, I asked him about his sports career. Does he still play soccer? "Nope, I am addicted to golf and tennis these days." Is he any good? "I thought I was good at tennis. I played at Universal and played Gary Rust once. I thought, no problem, I am great at tennis. Let me tell you , Gary has a HAMMER of a serve! He is phenomenal! He slammed those at me and if I wasn't in exactly the right place, I couldn't even try to return them! It was the shortest longest game of my life. I always wanted to have a rematch; but I was too nervous about getting killed again."

Well, after spending a few hours listening to the constantly fresh music in a truly relaxing, friendly comfortable place, I have to admit; it was one of the best times I have had in a very long time. I left feeling outstanding - Good ambience, great music in all varieties, the perfect end to the day. If you plan on doing anything in the next week, go to Jeremiah's on Tuesday's for Open Mike Night; but a word of advice, get there early (I suggest around nine or so). Even if you can only stay an hour, it's an hour well spent.